The Small Branch

  (I’ve covered some of this in previous posts, but thought I would expand on a few things here.)   Most people consider the elementary school years to be Kindergarten through fifth grade, about ages 5-11.  Personally, as I’ve state before, I don’t see any reason to start any kind of formal school until 8-10 years old, depending on your child.  For the kids in the “elementary years” who aren’t yet ready for formal education, you can continue as you were doing in the preschool years (see previous post).  Remember, though, that you want your children to be ready for learning.  This includes making sure they are learning to be obedient, learning to sit still, and learning to work hard even when something is a struggle for them.  In this phase of “school age but not yet school ready,” make sure they are learning these lessons well.  This is something I utterly failed at.  We were too busy playing and having fun, and I was too lazy as a mom, to...

  I think it is kind of funny when people ask me what kind of curriculum to use for preschool.   I mean, the term is “pre” school, which means before school, right?   So why would we need workbooks and other curriculum before school?   I’m not sure.   I think much of it has more to do with parents wanting to look good because their kids are “so smart” and parents who just go along with what everyone else is doing rather than actually thinking things through.   First, I’ll just put it out there - I think every single child in the world should be homeschooled for preschool.  Of course, there are situations in a fallen world where that just isn’t possible, but it is possible much more often than it happens.  A lot of (married) moms would find that, if they really count up the costs (including a second vehicle, nicer clothes, convenience foods, more sickness and doctor visits, etc. as well as school/daycare costs), they could probably stay home w...

  I am a believer in a Classical Education.   I also am a believer in Unschooling.   “Wow,” you say, “those are totally opposite philosophies of education.”   You would be correct.   To a point.   Let’s start at the beginning of the journey and I’ll explain. From the moment that beautiful newborn baby is laid in your arms, you are a teacher.   This is where the unschooling begins.   You live life.   Your child learns to talk, to walk, to obey.   At this point, some parents really want to put their children into preschool or at least pull out some preschool workbooks.   “DON’T DO IT!” I yell.   Preschool, and even early elementary school are great times of learning naturally.   This is the perfect time to follow your kids’ interests.   Go to the library.   Read living books (see below).   Take “field trips.”   Plant a garden.   Cook together.   Clean the house.   Count everything in si...